South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War in Which Died | Campaign Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial |
| First Arrived in Theatre | Bravery & Conduct Medals | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 5 Apr 1915 in Alexandria, Eygpt | ~ | Leamington Spa War Memorial |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Third Battle of the Ypres (Passchendaele) | 17 Aug 1914 in Melbourne, Australia | Carlton War Memorial, Melbourne |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| Polygon Wood, Ypres | 7th Battalion, Australian Infantry | |
Circumstances of Death
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William is listed as being killed in action on 26th September 1917. A note in Williams service record states "The above named soldier was shot through the head in the attack on Polygon Wood on 26.9.17. He was approaching a Pill-Box when a sniper shot him. Death was instanteous. As this battalion was relieved before any of the dead could be buried he was probably buried by the incoming unit, 31st Battalion A.I.F..." The 59th Battalion war diary entry for the 26th September is transcribed below: Black Watch Corner – 26 Sep 1917: 5.50am Battalion attacked German positions in Polygon Wood, Zero Hour being 5.50am and the barrage was put down at 5.50 and at 5.53 the Battalion advanced and captured its first objective in quick time. Owing to the troops on our right failing to come up our right flank [we] had to fall back a little and it was here the major portion of our casualties. Two Battalions of the 8th Australian Infantry Brigade then pushed through our line and after still fighting the second objective was mostly taken and touch secured with the 14th Australian Infantry Brigade on our left and British troops who afterwards came up on right. Small local counter attacks were easily repulsed. Colonel Mason’s report is attached as an appendix and covers the operations for 26th & 27th until the evening of 27th/28th when the Battalion was relieved by 29th Battalion A.I.F. The Battalion casualties were 5 Officers and 263 OR’s. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
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| Jan Qtr 1890 in Leamington Spa | |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| William Henry and Fannie M Dale | 40 Brook Street, Leamington Spa |
| Schools | Colleges |
| Leicester Street School, Leamington | ~ |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1891 - 40 Brook Street, Leamington Spa | 1901 - School age (11) |
| 1901 - 26 King Street, Leamington Spa | 1911 - Not Found - in Australia |
| 1911 - Australia | 1914 - Solider in Australian Infantry |
| 1914 - 258 Drummond Street, Carlton, Australia | |
- Next of kin named in William's Army Will was Miss Jessie Hamilton, 33 Gray Street, St. Kilda, Melbourne
